NANAIMO BC: January 8th sees the opening of the revamped Nanaimo Film School and with it comes the opportunity for graduates to have their work appraised by none other than Charles Band of Full Moon Features, the man who brought us the Puppet Master, Trancers and Subspecies franchises among his 270+ (and growing) library of productions.

With the growth of the independent market, Charles is the perfect man to head the new school as its first patron and he looks forward to helping both the school grow and also get the opportunity to guide and encourage new film makers and production entrepreneurs.

The new facility, will offer a number of film and TV orientated classes and workshops such as drama for all ages and abilities, a 10 week film school that will run in the evenings and two week crash courses in digital filmmaking, ideal for those who don’t have ten weeks to spare but want to know the right way to traverse the production minefield.

A 10-week film school will also be held, with participants attending two nights a week, to produce three short movies, as well as learn about the importance of the business of film and TV in building both a career and business.

Booking for classes has already begun, with sessions priced to encourage those who would not normally venture into the world of the thespian or film maker.

You have to wonder why we do not see this more often. B-movie and cult directors teaching students about making films. Maybe some do, but it is kept low key. Another possibility is that selling yourself as a good professor in film when your director credits include "Babes from Neptune IV" or some such title.

I recall a VHS tape..a "How to make a Movie" type of thing,by(of all people)T.V.Mikels!!! This is the genuis who blessed us with ASTRO ZOMBIES ,the RATS are COMING,the WEREWOLVES are HERE!,and of course the CORPSE GRINDERS! A frightning scenerio...